Northern Ireland’s newest Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott has been hailed as “amazing” after the Great Britain team won in the women’s quadruple sculls at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday morning.
There were jubilant scenes as Coleraine town centre erupted in roars of excitement as the athlete helped row Team GB to victory.
A dedicated fan zone was set up at the Town Hall by Causeway Coast and Glens council to watch the scintillating victory.
There was a tense moment as the screen set up by the council blank halfway through the race – which was expected to last around six minutes.
But there was a sigh of relief as the live footage of the race reappeared with just a couple of minutes to go to catch the winning moment.
Tanya McMinn, a member of the Bann Rowing Club where Hannah first embarked on her rowing career, said it’s a great inspiration.
“Everyone was unbelievably excited. I believed she would win, she’s put the work in and the support she’s got is incredible.
“Her success is what makes it attainable for kids in the club. So many people have given up their time and now she’s made it.”
Scenes in Hannah Scott’s home town of Coleraine as Team GB celebrate winning gold in Women’s Quadruple Sculls Final
Local woman Ella O’Reilly said: “It’s the first time I’ve seen this sort of enthusiasm in Coleraine town centre.”
Mayor Ciarán McQuillan was at the event taking pictures with local residents.
He said: “It was absolutely fantastic to see. All of us here at Causeway Coast and Glens have seen Hannah grow from her first rowing session at Bann Rowing Club. It’s fantastic to see someone local winning a gold medal. She is an inspiration, especially to our young female athletes as well.”
Following the dramatic victory, local independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden said she “could not be prouder” and said the athlete will return to the town as a “hero”.
“This is just fantastic for Hannah – for her friends and family, her town and her country,” Ms Sugden said.
“She has shown that by putting all those hours of training over the years, and through her steadfast commitment to the sport she loves, it is possible to achieve your dreams.
“Starting at Bann Rowing Club in Coleraine she will inspire all those young, local rowers who will now see her achievement as a dream that could be within their grasp if they apply the same dedication and hard work as she has.
“She will return to Coleraine as a hero and everyone here is rightly proud beyond words of what she has done today.
“Well done Hannah – we look forward to welcoming you back to Coleraine as an Olympic champion.”
The local woman followed in the footsteps of Olympic medallists Alan Campbell and brothers Richard and Peter Chambers when she began rowing at Bann Rowing Club at the age of 13.
She later went to Princeton University, where she became a two-time Ivy League champion in the Varsity Eight.
Hannah returned to the UK to represent Team GB in Tokyo before winning a world title in the quadruple sculls in 2023.
A large contingent of family members and friends were in Paris to watch her compete.
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Speaking to the BBC, her mum Sharon Scott said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a week. But as we know in this game, there’s nothing guaranteed – it’s down to the day, it’s down to conditions and it’s down to the other teams, it’s all to play for.
“We’re here with a lot of family and friends keeping our minds focussed. It’s nice to be in Paris in the sunshine,” she said.
“She went down to Bann Rowing Club in Coleraine aged 13, she told the coach on the first day why she wanted to row and she told him she wanted to be the first female rower to go to the Olympics from Bann.
“Her dad said to the coach at the time, if she gets to the Olympics I’ll take you with me. Geoff Bones and his wife are here in Paris with us and we’re just honouring that promise.”
Hannah was joined on the team by Lauren Henry, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw.
Following the dramatic victory, First Minister Michelle O’Neill congratulated Hannah posting: “Local athletes continue to shine on the world stage, as Coleraine’s Hannah Scott wins an Olympic gold in rowing.
“Congratulations Hannah!”
Meanwhile deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly hailed Scott as “fantastic”.
“Hannah Scott wins GOLD!” Ms Little-Pengelly posted.
“Fantastic Hannah!
“Hannah, from Coleraine, makes it 3 golds for NI athletes in less than 24 hours! . Absolutely amazing!”
Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie added: “Unbelievable race – brilliant result, well done to the women’s rowing team and particularly Hannah Scott.
“Another NI gold medallist.”
Alliance’s Paula Bradshaw said: “More magnificent news for Northern Ireland athletes at the Olympics, as Hannah Scott wins yet another #gold medal as part of an outstanding #TeamGB quadruple sculls team.
“We could get used to this!”